We all know the new year is a time for us to reflect on changes we would like to make in our lives, whether it be personally, professionally, physically, mentally, and the list goes on. The new year is a new beginning and a chance to form new habits, break old habits, and feel like we can start fresh. It’s a wonderful time to truly feel like we can change for the better. But what about our furry friends? Should they have new year’s resolutions too? Now we know this may seem strange at first, but keep reading. We promise it will be worth it.
8 New Year’s Resolution Ideas For Your Pet (And You, since your pet may need help with these)
- Visit your local veterinarian on a regular basis
Your local animal hospital is always there, ready and waiting for when they are needed, but regular checkups at the vet can help prevent serious illness down the line. This is also a great way for your furry friend to get to know their vet in case there’s ever an emergency. Feeling more comfortable with people your pet has met before can put them at ease and make them feel safe, especially in stressful situations. Schedule a checkup for your furry friend this new year so they can get their regular checkup and ensure there are no surprises down the road. - Take a walk or run every day for exercise
Your pet is going to need your help with this one unless you have a nice, open fenced-in backyard. You can take a walk or run together to spend extra quality time together or take your dog to the dog park for some fun with other friends. Cats usually need a little more encouragement like a string or laser pointer to help get them moving. For smaller animals like hamsters, mice or gerbils, a wheel helps them get their exercise in every day. - Eat healthier foods and treats
It’s important for pets to watch not only the types of food they eat but how much of it they eat. Focusing on a healthier diet this year could be a great way to get your furry friend feeling healthier overall. They’ll have more energy and feel better because they’re getting the nutrients they need. And with a healthier diet in proper proportions, hopefully they won’t need to visit the animal hospital for obesity down the road or other health issues related to bad eating habits. - Brush or comb their hair
Cats are the best animals with this, making sure their fur always looks clean and shiny, but many animals need help from their humans to keep their fur clean. By brushing your pet, you bond with them even more while also helping them feel better with all the extra hair and dirt coming off. This is also a great time to check for unwanted bugs that may be hiding in your pet’s fur or lumps you may not have otherwise noticed. - Brush their teeth
Animals need their teeth cleaned and brushed just like humans do. Brushing your pet’s teeth helps kill bacteria in their mouth, teeth, and gums that can just sit there and create problems over time. This is also a good time to look for any lodged food in between your pet’s teeth or gums. Of course, your vet can also check your pet’s teeth at your regular appointment you’ve set up as well. - Get a really good grooming
This one is both for health reasons and pampering. There are different types of grooming for pets, but often you can check your local animal hospital to see what grooming options they have. A good grooming can help your pet feel better about themselves while it can also help keep your pet healthy and strong. Nail clippings can help keep your pet from catching their nails on things or breaking nails that are too long. Bathing can help remove germs from your pet’s fur and any bugs or dead skin so your pet will be healthier and feel better. - Spend extra time snuggling with my human
This one may not be a conscious decision from your pet, but hopefully this year will bring on more snuggles and time together. With your pet getting lots of exercise, eating better, and getting groomed and cleaned, they’re sure to thank you with some snuggles on the couch at the end of the night. - Don’t chew up anything the human owns
This one may be more difficult and require some extra work like obedience school, but we’re sure your pet will try really hard this year to make you happy and not chew up anything they aren’t supposed to. And if not, they can always save this one for next year’s new year’s resolution, right?
No matter what the reason for your pet’s new year’s resolution, we hope they are able to keep it, and you both grow closer because of it. If you are in the Greensboro area and have been looking for an animal hospital that cares for animals and would love to help you cross off the first new year’s resolution on this list, Guilford College Vet can do just that. Contact our office with any questions about our services or to schedule an appointment for your furry friend. We look forward to seeing you both very soon.